An electronic artificial neuron with biologically realistic behavior

An electronic artificial neuron which exhibits dynamic behavior that closely follows the observed stimulus-response characteristics of single isolated neurons is described. The artificial neuron has been implemented using analog and digital circuitry and has been designed to permit relatively easy alteration of its dynamic and static behavior. The primary purpose of the artificial neuron is to provide a means for real-time experimentation of small network dynamics. Each instance of the artificial neuron comprises six dynamic conductances and fourteen synapse circuits that emulate specific ionic channel conductances in neurons. Additional conductances and synapses were accommodated by combining two or more artificial neuron circuits